A recent client of mine moved into a much larger home, and asked for some ideas for decorating the bare wall space. Some of you may be in need of the same advice. Here are fifteen ideas for transforming blank walls into interesting focal areas.

1. Instead of hanging a single mirror above a buffet or console table, arrange several smaller mirrors in a collage.

2. For inexpensive artwork, frame some beautiful handmade paper. Arrange several in a grouping.

3. Hang a collection of antique platters, decorative plates or even trays in a pyramid shape. Paint the wall behind them in an accent color that will set off the design.

4. Consider wallpaper-there are myriad new styles available. The current look is big, bold patterns-this will immediately add a lot of interest to your space.

5. Intersperse three-dimensional pieces into your art arrangement. For example, hang wall-mounted vases on either side of a large floral painting. Or candle sconces on either side of a mirror.

6. Try this paint technique: paint 8" wide stripes in alternating flat and semi-gloss shades of gold, green, or burgundy, or any color that works in your space.

7. Paint large blocks of color on the wall to serve as a backdrop for artwork. In one client's home, we painted the walls green, and then added three large squares in purple to accentuate her modern art.

8. Stencil a favorite saying or poem onto the wall.

9. Frame and hang a collection of your children's art. Give it a prominent place in your family room, or create a happy burst of color in your laundry or mudroom.

10. Create a theme for a room based on an interest you may have. For instance, if your hobby is golf, arrange and hang photos of family members playing golf, golf memorabilia, watercolors of famous courses, antique golf clubs, etc.

11. Hang a quilt or a tapestry on a large wall.

12. Stretch interesting fabric over wooden frames to create large pieces of art.

13. Hang a collection of baskets to instantly add texture and dimension to the room.

14. Hang a collection of whimsical hats for a fun look.

15. Add coziness to extremely tall walls by installing crown molding at the 8- or 9-foot ceiling height. Paint the area above the crown molding one or two shades darker than the color below the crown molding.

Anna Jacoby of Anna Jacoby Interiors is a local interior designer. Send your design questions to her at info@annajacobyinteriors.com. Call or fax her at 510-490-0379 or visit www.annajacobyinteriors.com